Pyramid Scheme Defrauds Uasin Gishu Investors of Sh2.4B, DCI Investigates

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Uasin Gishu County has initiated a manhunt for Ambrose Abutti, a prime suspect in a pyramid scheme that allegedly defrauded thousands of investors in the North Rift region of over Sh2.4 billion.

Scores of victims, including prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds – businessmen, university lecturers, medical professionals, religious leaders, civil servants, artisans, farmers, and institutional investors – have flocked to the Eldoret Criminal Investigations Department to file complaints.

Abutti, currently at large, operated Spring Mark Investment from an office in Eldoret’s central business district before vanishing last year. The DCI had reportedly been pursuing him in connection with the multi-million shilling scam.

Uasin Gishu County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Daniel Muleli confirmed the ongoing investigation and assured the public that the suspect would be apprehended soon. He revealed that numerous victims have come forward to report their losses.

“We are aware of the substantial financial losses incurred by individuals who were lured into this fraudulent scheme with promises of exorbitant returns,” Muleli stated.

Muleli emphasized the seriousness of the crime, characterizing it as economic sabotage.

One victim, Robinson Makokha, a businessman, invested Sh708,000 with the expectation of a 17% monthly compound interest. He has yet to receive any returns and is now facing financial difficulties.

“I depended on this money to expand my business, but now I’m in debt and under immense stress. I hope the suspect is arrested quickly so I can recover my funds,” Makokha lamented.

Makokha described the devastating impact of the scam on his life, detailing how he had to downsize his business and delay family plans due to the loss.

Another victim, who preferred anonymity, invested Sh1.2 million with the intention of expanding his matatu business. He expressed frustration over the ongoing investigation and urged the police to expedite the arrest of the suspect.

“We have been visiting the DCI office since January to inquire about the progress of the investigation, but the suspect remains at large,” the victim said. “We have provided the police with all the information we have, including the suspect’s active phone numbers and rural home address.”

The victims are calling for swift action to bring Abutti to justice and recover their lost funds.